Arts: Yummy Summer Weekend

Wednesday

Jul 28, 2010 at 12:01 AMAug 2, 2010 at 4:33 PM

Last year it was just "yummy." This year it's "too yummy."

Last year it was just "yummy." This year it's "too yummy."

Members of Couchfire Collective are reprising last year's food-themed art exhibit with a slight change in name. "Too Yummy" is the centerpiece of Yummy Summer Weekend, a celebration of summer and food in the South Campus Gateway that benefits the Mid-Ohio Foodbank.

More than 20 artists' work will be on display. The art isn't edible, but it might stir up visitors' appetites.

The exhibit's organizer, Amy Neiwirth, says many artists find food to be a comfortable subject to work with.

"I think it's something that is familiar and it's easy for people to relate to," Neiwirth says. "It's kind of like a personal thing for each artist. What we eat kind of defines us as people whether we want it to or not. They're creating something personal that a broader audience can relate to."

Beyond the exhibit, weekend festivities will include an outdoor art market, a food-related mystery movie at the Gateway Film Center on Saturday, plus performances by Available Light Theatre, Coco Lupe and friends, and local band Maza Blaska. All events are free, but donations of canned food or cash are requested.

Last year's two-week-long show brought in about $600 and 25-30 pounds of food for the food bank. Although this year's exhibit is only around for a weekend, organizers think they'll still be able to do some good.

"We're hoping that by partnering with Ohio Art League, ARTillery and the Gateway Film Center, who are getting the word out, it'll draw a big crowd," Neiwirth said.